The Secretary of State for Foreign and Political Affairs is the minister responsible for foreign affairs in the Republic of San Marino. Owing to the absence of a prime ministerial office within San Marino's constitutional structure and the prominence of the position, the Secretary for Foreign Affairs is often regarded as the country's de facto head of government and its most senior minister. Although this status is not constitutionally defined, the officeholder is typically a member of the largest party or governing coalition in the Grand and General Council following a general election.